Frequently Asked Questions:
Are WunderKeys lessons group lessons?
The WunderKeys program is specifically designed to be
offered as a one-on-one lesson. For many preschoolers this is their first
experience in a non-group setting. This arrangement allows the
instructor to personalize the lessons to each individual child’s needs as
well as ensuring that your child is an active participant for the entire lesson
duration.
How long are they? How often?
WunderKeys lessons are 30
minutes and take place once a week.
Do I need a piano at home?
Your child will need an instrument to practice on at home.
This can be an acoustic piano, a digital piano or even a keyboard. An instrument is not required for the 4 week free session.
My little one is really active – I’m not sure they can sit
for 30 minutes.
WunderKeys has been designed with preschoolers’ needs in
mind. They will not be expected to sit patiently at the piano bench for 30
minutes! We incorporate five different activities into each lesson
to ensure your child is always focused, engaged, and active – each
activity is designed to reinforce concepts learned in their books. Our
priority is to ensure that your child is enjoying every single minute of
their lessons!
What is the deal with the math?
WunderKeys is primarily a program designed to teach
beginning piano skills. However, it is a well known fact that music and
math are closely related. As a bonus to this program, the WunderKeys
books highlight this relationship and give your child a head-start on
kindergarten math concepts and a positive first exposure to math.
WunderKeys students learn sorting, ordering, counting,
comparison, classification, and pattern recognition.
When will they play songs?
The developmental abilities of 3-5 year 'are very
different than that of 6 year old's and older… for which most other piano
programs are created. There are many different concepts that your
preschooler will need to grasp before jumping into a “traditional” piano
piece. Therefore, our preschool piano lessons are spent exploring the
piano in ways in which they are capable. All lessons are geared
towards having them understand everything they will need to know before
being able to read notated music. It is the perfect way to lead into a
mainstream book series… and a life of musical enjoyment. WunderKeys Duets
allow students to play “real pieces” along with their teacher, ensuring success
and enjoyment.
I have no musical background at all. How can I help my child
at home?
After each lesson in the book is a Home Activity Sheet that
can be completed with your child during practice time at home. The books
are designed to allow all parents to help with home practice, regardless
of prior musical knowledge. At this age “practicing” should be approximately
10-15 minutes every day and is spent reinforcing what was learned in the
lesson, and building finger strength and coordination. The intent is for
home practice to provide you with some “bonding on the bench” time with
your child, sharing in the fun of music.
Do I need to purchase the books?
Yes. There are three books in the WunderKeys series. Each book
costs around $14.95 (US) plus shipping and can be ordered and purchased through Amazon.com. The books include both lesson activities and homework sheets. There
are no other material fees involved.
a head start in music, math, and life